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Disappearance and Legacy of the Calusa Civilization
Unlike many indigenous groups, the Calusa were not conquered by European forces but were ultimately undone by shifting geopolitics, British-backed slave raids, disease, and displacement in the early 18th century. While some refugees fled...
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How the Calusa Resisted Spanish Colonization in Southern Florida
The Calusa skillfully navigated over two centuries of contact with the Spanish, resisting conquest through diplomacy, manipulation, and selective cooperation. Initial encounters were hostile—culminating in the death of Juan Ponce de...
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Architectural Innovations of the Calusa Civilization
Although no standing Kusa structures remain, archaeological evidence reveals that they built large thatched buildings on shell mounds for protection against storms, insects, and enemies. Some structures—like the massive oval council...
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Religious Beliefs of the Calusa
The Calusa held a complex set of spiritual beliefs, including the idea that each person had three souls and that after death, these souls transitioned through animals until disappearing completely. Their polytheistic religion featured a...
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Leadership and Trade Structure of the Calusa Civilization
The Calusa (Kusa) participated in wide-ranging trade networks, importing materials like galena while possibly exporting marine shells inland across North America. Spanish sources described the Calusa as a powerful, hierarchical society...
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Fishing and Agricultural Techniques of the Calusa People
By the time of Spanish contact, the Calusa supported a population of around 20,000 through a sophisticated and diverse subsistence system centered on fishing, foraging, and small-scale gardening. They primarily targeted small fish using...
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Expansion of the Calusa Civilization in Southern Florida
During the Kusahatchee period, archaeologists begin to confidently trace the emergence of the Calusa through increased coastal interaction, foreign pottery styles, and permanent mound-building settlements like Pineland and Mound Key....
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The Roots of the Calusa Civilization in Southwest Florida
Archaeological evidence from sites like Warm Mineral Springs and Useppa Island shows that early inhabitants of Southwest Florida, including the Calusa ancestors, relied heavily on marine resources as early as 11,000 years ago. Over time,...
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Who Were the Calusa of Southern Florida?
The Calusa of ancient South Florida thrived in a unique coastal environment, developing a powerful and stratified society without relying on maize agriculture—a rarity among complex North American cultures. They leveraged the rich...
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Hurricane Ian: Search for survivors continues as death toll rises
At least 31 people are confirmed dead, including 27 people in Florida mostly from drowning.
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Ian Nearly Category 5 Hurricane As It Nears Florida
More than 2.5 million people were under mandatory evacuation orders, but by law no one could be forced to flee.
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People Trapped, 2.5M Without Power As Ian Drenches Florida
One of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the United States threatened catastrophic flooding around the state.
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Debris Cleanup Is A Huge Task In The Aftermath Of Hurricane Ian
The disaster left behind by Hurricane Ian across southwest Florida will take months to sweep up.
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Dozens Dead From Ian, One Of Strongest, Costliest U.S. Storms
Hurricane Ian is being blamed for at least 46 deaths in Florida, Newsy found, with experts expecting the death toll to rise.